Charles Forson, the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, is urging the government to adopt a more consultative and constructive approach to addressing encroachments on Ramsar sites, particularly those in the Greater Accra Region. His comments come in the wake of ongoing demolitions of structures built on protected wetlands, including areas within his own constituency.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 5, Mr. Forson criticised the approach taken by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, arguing that demolitions alone are not a sustainable solution. Instead of tearing down existing buildings, he believes the government should consider re-engineering the area to integrate these developments into a broader urban planning framework.
“The development has already occurred. The Minister should meet with the developers to find a solution. We need to regularise the land, charge them accordingly, and work on developing the landscape, roads, and drainage systems. I believe that demolishing these buildings will not solve the problem because if you tear them down, what happens next?” Mr. Forson stated.
“We need to re-engineer the whole place. If you go to some cities which are in lower-lying lands, they have developed them. Why do you go and pull so many houses down? The Minister and the government should consider the stand they have taken,” he added.
Mr. Forson emphasised that while environmental conservation is important, the government must also consider the investments and livelihoods of affected residents. Meanwhile, some residents whose properties are located on Ramsar-designated sites in Tema and Sakumono have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the demolitions.
The petitioners claim their lands were legally acquired from the Forestry Commission, with some arguing that they have taken deliberate steps to preserve the environment rather than damage it. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, one of the affected residents, Jerry Narhyumu, said that while they acknowledge the ecological importance of the area, they do not believe they have violated any laws.
Narhyumu also pointed out that the area is not prone to flooding and that many residents have lived there since 2019 without experiencing any environmental incidents. He called for sustained dialogue under the current administration and stressed the need for policy continuity to resolve the issue.
Ramsar sites are internationally recognised wetlands designated for their ecological significance. However, rising encroachment has triggered state-led demolitions aimed at protecting their long-term environmental value.
